Toto Wolff asserts Lewis Hamilton wants to ‘reinvent himself’ at Ferrari

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recalls Lewis Hamilton's 'reinvent' reasoning behind the Briton's shock switch to Ferrari.

Toto Wolff asserts Lewis Hamilton wants to ‘reinvent himself’ at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton shocked fans at the start of 2024 by announcing his move to Scuderia Ferrari for this year. The seven-time world champion bid farewell to Mercedes. Now Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recalled the Briton’s reasoning for leaving the Silver Arrows for Maranello.

Hamilton had a conversation with Wolff at the latter’s home in Oxford. The 39-year-old informed the Austrian billionaire that his move to Ferrari would allow him to reinvent within a new environment. Moreover, he emphasized that every driver aspired to race for the Prancing Horse.

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Toto Wolff further revealed that Lewis Hamilton asserted that this move would be beneficial for Mercedes as well. The Briton pointed out that he had been with the team for over a decade. Subsequently, his exit could reinvigorate the team with energy and a new mindset.

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Lewis said, ‘This is a step I feel is good for all of us. It’s good for me to reinvent myself – every driver wants to be in a Ferrari and good for the Mercedes team too, because we’ve been with each other for 12 years, so maybe we’re kind of reinvigorating ourselves.‘

Toto Wolff told BBC Radio 4

Lewis Hamilton confessed things could’ve been ‘awkward’ with Mercedes

Wolff mentioned that Lewis Hamilton informed him of this move even before the start of the season. The seven-time world champion understood that this could make things awkward during his final campaign. However, Hamilton wanted Toto Wolff to be able to set a plan for his team’s future without him.

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton (via Planetf1)
Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton (via Planetf1)

He said, ‘Listen, I’m going to tell you very early. It may be awkward during the season, but it’s so you can position the team and yourself for the years to come.‘

Toto Wolff explained

Ultimately, Mercedes settled on 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli to fill in the shoes of the Briton. Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton have no hard feelings for one another. With the 2025 season fast approaching, it remains to be seen how will the dynamic be between the two in the paddock after a long and successful partnership.